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Aims & Philosophy of the Religious Studies Department

Everyone has beliefs. Even the person who says, ‘I don’t believe in anything’. The study of Religious Ethics & Philosophy is for everyone, whether religious or not, and is always uses a non-doctrinal approach. There is no preaching and no particular creed is ever recommended. The course provides a critical approach to the consideration of key moral and philosophical issues .

Overview of Key Stage 5 Curriculum

For girls interested in studying Religious Ethics & Philosophy at A Level, previous GCSE coursework is not required.

At AS Level, girls have the opportunity to take two Religious Studies classes: Religious Ethics and Philosophy of Religion. In the first, girls learn about four main philosophical approaches, including Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Natural Law and Christian Ethics. Girls will learn how to assess and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches and see their usefulness when making moral/ethical decisions. In the second, girls make their way chronologically through philosophical development, beginning with Plato and Aristotle. Students will also review the traditional arguments for the existence of God, the Problem of Evil, and a study on Religion and Science to teach girls about current debate on spheres of thinking.

At A2 Level, girls continue the two modules, furthering their understanding of Religious Studies by introducing principals of Sociology, Psychology, Meta-Ethics, and Virtue Ethics into lessons. Questions include understanding what the words “Good” and “Bad” really mean, or how to apply ethical knowledge to subjects of Business, Environmental and Sexual ethics. Furthermore, girls will study aspects of Religious Language, Religious Experience, Miracles, and Life After Death and be asked to apply their developing philosophical frameworks in unravelling deeper questions.

What makes the department unique from those at other schools?

The department benefits from a variety of trips out to universities, conferences, (even to meet Derren Brown on one occasion) or other relevant experiences are regularly offered to help further enrich the syllabus covered. There are also film nights and the opportunity to lead our new school society called In Veritate (search for truth).

To learn about the Religious Studies Department
curriculum in other Key Stages please choose a link

QM will process your personal data for the purpose of administrating its list of prospective pupils. Additionally, QM will use the details you provide to keep you up to date with QM news and appropriate events. For more information please read the full privacy policy (link at the bottom of this page). You can opt out of communications at any time. If you do not wish to receive news and event information, please select 'no' below. (required)